The Importance of a Proper Mouth Guard
A mouthguard may feel a bit cumbersome, but so is losing your teeth. It will be difficult to speak normally and chew certain foods, and all you will have to show for it is a few quarters from an imaginary fairy. Worse yet, you will be less inclined to smile, making everyone uncomfortable with your accordian teeth. Vanity may be a sin, but so is foolishness.
Types of Mouthguards
Generally, there are three types of mouthguards athletes use:
- Stock guard
- Boil and bite guard
- Custom fitted by a dentist
Naturally, the more customised the fit, the more comfortable the mouthguard. However, having a custom job done by a dentist can be quite expensive, and many boil and bite guards can be just as effective if the instructions are followed properly. Furthermore, it's important when picking a mouthguard to factor both comfort and protection, not only from tooth damage but microbial build-up.
Comfort
Shock Doctor mouthguards offer a patented gel-based molding system that can adhere to the natural alignment of your teeth. The Gel Max, Gel Nano, and Ultra STC mouthguard, all provide multiple layers of gel to help retention and shock absorption. Signature's ProPlusGel also acts as a molding agent, filling the gaps between your gums and teeth while securing the underside of the jaw with a special impact strip.
For individuals with braces, Shock Doctor sells the Braces Mouthguard which adapts to the changes in tooth position as their alignment is adjusted. Made out of 100% medical grade silicone, the Braces Mouthguard conforms to your teeth without the need for boiling.
Protection and Performance
The Shock Doctor Gel Max is equipped with an external rubber frame with jaw pads for additional support. The rigid, shock absorbing frame acts as a rampart for the softer, more pliable gel that wraps around the teeth. Shock Doctor also offers performance mouthguards such as the Gel Nano and the STC, which incorporates what the company calls a Mandibular Orthopedic Repositioning Appliance (MORA), which in layman's terms equates to positioning the jaw down and forward and the tongue pressed against the roof of your mouth, optimising nasal respiratory performance.
Lastly, it's pointless to safeguard yourself from external forces if your mouthguard is a sanctuary for disease. Taking proper care or storing your mouthguard in an anti-microbial case will help attenuate the risk of turning your mouth into a sewer. Not even the tooth fairy, after all, would be inclined to deal with that.
